Why Was the Nevada Test Site Established?

Las Vegas Museum: Historic Nevada Site

Before the Nevada Test Site, the United States performed nuclear tests in the Marshall Islands’ Bikini Atoll. This was located 4,600 miles from the mainland of the United States. The Guardian reports that the nuclear tests done more than 60 years ago made the islands unsuitable for living even to this day. Its location as well as the needed resettlements of the island’s residents, the test site was deemed to be too expensive. The United States then opted for a safer place to conduct these tests and led to Nevada Test Site’s development. The National Atomic Testing Museum is a Las Vegas museumthat is dedicated tell the story of this historic site. Located at 755 E. Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, they offer group and family tours to educate the people and share this outstanding piece of history with you.

Early History

According to the Smithsonian, the nuclear testing site in Nevada was established in the 1950’s. This was shortly after the Second World War ended. Even as the war ended, the fear of getting hit by a nuclear attack from the Soviet Union was still at large. The US needed to protect its country in the case that such attack would happen, hence, the development of the Nevada Test Site.

The detonation of the first atomic device on this historic site was on January 27, 1951. The result was both remarkable and terrifying as the resulting flash could be seen as far as San Francisco. From 1951 onwards, thousands of tests were conducted in the area. Out of the 1,501 nuclear tests done by the US worldwide between the years of 1945 to 1992, 925 of these were done at the Nevada Test Site. Due to this, the site had so many craters that it looked like the surface of the moon. It also earned the nickname as the “most bombed place on Earth.” However, the negative radioactive effects of the tests pushed the US government to start testing bombs underground. This started in 1957 and by 1962 all atmospheric testing had stopped.

Admit One

If you’re touring Las Vegas or are simply looking for best Las Vegas museum to teach you or your children about the Nevada Test Site, The National Atomic Testing Museum is the place for you. See the astounding exhibits and immerse yourself in America’s atomic history. Experience a simulated atmospheric bomb blast in their Ground Zero Theater and discover the technology that helped make the first atomic bomb. This Las Vegas NV museum is open from Mondays to Saturdays 10am to 5pm and Sundays from 12pm to 5pm. Bring your family in for a fun and educational tour that your kids will surely love! Buy your tickets now. Call (702)794-5151.